Melanoma skin cancer in Australia

Estimated* number of new cases of melanoma skin cancer diagnosed in 2016

13,283 = 7,847 males + 5,436 females

Estimated % of all new cancer cases diagnosed in 2016

10.2%

Estimated number of deaths from melanoma skin cancer in 2016

1,774 = 1,229 males + 545 females

Estimated % of all deaths from cancer in 2016

3.8%

Chance of surviving at least 5 years (2008–2012)

90%

People living with melanoma skin cancer at the end of 2010 (diagnosed in the 5 year period 2006 to 2010)

48,937

How common is melanoma skin cancer in Australia?

In 2012, there were 12,036 new cases of melanoma skin cancer diagnosed in Australia (7,060 males and 4,976 females).a In 2016, it is estimated that 13,283 new cases of melanoma skin cancer will be diagnosed in Australia (7,847 males and 5,436 females).b

In 2012, the age-standardised incidence rate was 49 cases per 100,000 persons (60 for males and 39 for females).d In 2016, it is estimated that the age-standardised incidence rate will be 49 cases per 100,000 persons (60 for males and 39 for females).

Melanoma skin cancer was the 4th most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia in 2012. It is estimated that it will remain the 4th most commonly diagnosed cancers in 2016.

In 2016, it is estimated that the risk of an individual being diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer by their 85th birthday will be 1 in 18 (1 in 14 males and 1 in 23 females).

In 2016, it is expected the incidence rate of melanoma skin cancer will generally increase with age (see figure below).

Deaths from melanoma skin cancer

In 2013, there were 1,617 deaths from melanoma skin cancer in Australia (1,107 males and 510 females). In 2016, it is estimated that this will decrease to 1,774 deaths (1,229 males and 545 females).c

In 2013, the age-standardised mortality rate was 6.2 deaths per 100,000 persons (9.2 for males and 3.7 for females).d In 2016, it is estimated that the age-standardised mortality rate will be 6.2 deaths per 100,000 persons (9.4 for males and 3.6 for females).

In 2013, melanoma skin cancer accounted for the 9th highest number of deaths from cancer in Australia. It is estimated that it will remain the 9th most common cause of death from cancer in 2016.

In 2016, it is estimated that the risk of an individual dying from melanoma skin cancer by their 85th birthday will be 1 in 120 (1 in 78 males and 1 in 228 females).

Trends in melanoma skin cancer

Incidence

The number of new cases of melanoma skin cancer diagnosed increased from 3,526 in 1982 to 12,036 in 2012.

Over the same period, the age-standardised incidence rate increased from 27 cases per 100,000 persons in 1982 to 49 cases per 100,000 persons in 2012.

Mortality

The number of deaths from melanoma skin cancer increased from 315 in 1968 to 1,617 in 2013.

Over the same period, the age-standardised mortality rate increased from 3.3 deaths per 100,000 persons in 1968 to 6.2 deaths per 100,000 persons in 2013.

Data notes

International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems Version 10 (ICD-10)

Cancer, like other health conditions, is classified by the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems Version 10 (ICD-10). This is a statistical classification, published by the World Health Organization, in which each morbid condition is assigned a unique code according to established criteria.

Estimations

Future estimates for incidence and mortality are a mathematical extrapolation of past trends. They assume that the most recent trends will continue into the future, and are intended to illustrate future changes that might reasonably be expected to occur if the stated assumptions continue to apply over the estimated period. Actual future cancer incidence and mortality rates may vary from these estimations for a variety of factors. New screening programs may increase the detection of new cancer cases; new vaccination programs may decrease the risk of developing cancer; and improvements in treatment options may decrease mortality rates.

Due to the rounding of these estimates, male and female incidence and mortality may not sum to person incidence and mortality.

Incidence

Cancer incidence indicates the number of new cancers diagnosed during a specified time period (usually one year).

The 2012 national incidence counts include estimates for NSW and the ACT because the actual data were not available.

The 2016 estimates are based on 2002–11 incidence data. Due to rounding of these estimates, male and female incidence may not sum to person incidence.

Mortality

Cancer mortality refers to the number of deaths occurring during a specified time period (usually one year) for which the underlying cause of death is cancer.

The 2016 estimates are based on 2002–13 mortality data.

Prevalence

Prevalence of cancer refers to the number of people alive with a prior diagnosis of cancer at a given time. It is distinct from incidence (see above). The longest period for which it is possible to calculate prevalence using the available national data (from 1982 to 2010) is currently 29 years. This span is used to estimate the 'total' prevalence of cancer at the end of 2010, noting that people diagnosed with cancer before 1982 are not included.

Age standardised rates

Incidence and mortality rates expressed per 100,000 population are age-standardised to the Australian population as at 30 June 2001.